New field kit

 Since moving to Nunavut to teach, I have acquired some additional kit both for Arctic survival plus gear I can use down south.

First up is a new Small pack. My current British DPM small pack needs some repairs, so I may have to pack it up to be sent home, whenever I return.

Next, a basic entrenching tool, which I have used for snow removal around my apartment. 

I also invested in a new Arctic sleeping bag, good for -45c as my Canadian Army 1960s issue was used by my cat as a toilet. Needless to say, I didn't pack it

My friend Bill Thompson who served in the RCHA sent me his Mukluks which are very comfortable with a spare pair of socks.

And I have also ordered snow overalls and a new parkha from BassPro to augment what I have brought. I want to be able to layer my clothes so I have invested in 3L 

Cpl. Ian Redden top piper basic course CTC Argonaut 2019

he was still at at ease position

then given stand easy

652 Squadron Royal Canadian Air Cadets field exercise 2019

This was the first one I was able to deploy with my sons squadron. I was able to help several sections with building bashas.

Ian practices how to build a shelter without trees

a basic A frame

the shelter his section built, he had chosen to bunk with his mate but had to throw in a cadet who was mooching off others.

since I am still classified as a civilian Instructor, I wasnt able to wear my surplus Cadpat but I checked with the Military Police corporal on the exercise who said if it wasnt an issue one, without rank or insignia, I could have worn it, however I brought some of my other Bush kit

one of the officers giving a lecture on basic survival and how to prepare food you have caught.

spit roasted bunny rabbit 

Cpl Ian Redden 

 bunny, the cadets were not permitted to eat due to regulations dealing with food prep. However the officers were allowed and I got the chance to have some

cadets toasting marshmallows, I was told by my son that the cadets enjoyed my company and support as well as my manner in how I dealt with them when speaking about topics not permitted or using fowl language. I only had to speak once and they understood that they were to lead by example.

Corporal Redden gets to grips with building a basha

he prepares his poles

we both get a line up

and after pegging the poncho down and using a second one as a floor and a Bergen cover for the rear, he's feeling confident enough to build one on his exercise next weekend 

it ain't half cold Mum

Corporal Ian Redden plays with the Northern Nova Scotia Cadets Pipes and drums CFB Halifax

Today the cadets and military bands gave a concert highlighting the musical abilities of the cadet movement in Nova Scotia.
My son, Ian  has been playing for a year
now

LAC Redden passing out parade, 14 Wing Greenwood CTC

Marching off the parade to the muster point for demobilization

forming up for the parade, all 500 cadets

Leena and I had just enough time to get a parking spot and a place to sit and enjoy our supper, from the Pizza Delight just outside the base. Ian was pleased that he could get to eat pizza on the way home.

Leena and I wait for the parade to begin. she was a super trooper, never whinned or fused once.

one of the cadets taking up position for the colour guard

the runway we were on,was still flying pc orions off it.

all 500 cadets and band dressing

as it got cooler, we put our shirts on

a proud and steady cadet ready to go home.

Royal Canadian Air Cadet promotion

Ian is now a Leading Air Cadet

Out in the field, able to use Hexy burner and messtins

Bundled up for work -6c with a wind chill of -10c 

time to flash up the stove and make a spot of tea and heat up a can of chili

brew is boiling

chili needed to come out of the wind

chili is bubbling. time to enjoy

Enlistment into Royal Canadian Air Cadets

Both my son and I have enlisted in to 652 Squadron Milford and District Lions Club Royal Canadian Air Cadets.
I'm in the process of switching over from Navy League to Air Cadets.

 

Air Cadet Redden at Halloween party. He's wearing a Canadian Forces Olive Combat shirt, his chest rig was from a Halloween costume set he got two years ago. His cap is a Korean Reserve Army which I bought in South Korea in 1997.

Air Cadet singing a song of rememberance which he was a soloist at his school

the veterans and cadets march from the Elmsdale Legion to the Elmsdale Cenotaph. The camera angle changes as I was trying to go for wide angle.

I am also in the process of switching over from Navy League to Air Cadets. 

Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo July 2017

Able Cadet Redden and I were able to sell 50/50 tickets at the RNSIT 2017.

Below are some shots I was able to take.

Combat Engineers vs General Support, RCA

4 General Support, Royal Canadian Artillery wins the soldiers race again

One of the Swiss gymnists. 

Massed pipes warming up

Getting started for summer camp

I shaved, bad idea

After all my preparation for this camp exercise I was to go on, my vacation from my job was cancelled for the second year. 

Nova Scotia Navy League of Canada Competition 2017

 CI Price and Redden

Price another officer and myself

CI Livingstone, Price

Our CO Labonte and my finger tip

NLCC Bidwell uniform Jackets

myself and Able Cadet Redden

new Civilian Instructor epulatte

Ordinary Cadet Redden promoted to Able Cadet

I've yet to put a picture up of him in his new rank.

DPM kit on Halloween

Wearing my DPM kit with the Ulster Defense Regiment cap badge

Wearing my gas mask I picked up in the 1990s

Ready Aye Ready or how I've swallowed the Anchor

After attempting to join the join the Royal Canadian Army Cadets, or shall I say my attempts were thwarted, I have volunteered to be an instructor with NLCC Bidwell in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia.
I will get to know some basic seamanship skills and eventually move on to the Army Cadets once I can get attached to a corps